Best Tent Camping near Brandeis, CA
Looking for the best options for tent camping near Brandeis? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Brandeis. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your California tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near Brandeis, CA (59)
1. Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park
Topanga, California5 Reviews•9 Photos•189 SavesNow Open
Located in the cliffs and canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park features 36 miles of trails through open grassland, live oaks and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
The park is located entirely within the Los Angeles city limits and is considered the world’s largest wildland within the boundaries of a major city. Excellent recreational opportunities for hikers as well as mountain bikers (restricted to fire roads) and equestrians.
The park is bound on the south by Pacific Palisades and Brentwood, on the west by Topanga Canyon, and on the east by Rustic Canyon. Numerous geologic formations can be found in the park, including earthquake faults, marine fossils, volcanic intrusions, and a wide variety of sedimentary formations.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
$7 / night
2. Oak Flat Campground
Castaic, California9 Reviews•15 Photos•110 Saves2800-foot elevation. 27 campsites. No water. Vault toilets. Campsites are first come - first served. RV's to 18'.
Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required, but the camping is free if you have one.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$5 / night
3. Sage Ranch - Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
Brandeis, California1 Review•4 Photos•101 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
4. Circle X Ranch Group Campground — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Lake Sherwood, California2 Reviews•7 Photos•63 SavesOverview
Circle X Ranch Group Campground is closed until further notice. There is no estimated re-opening date. Are you searching for a weekend getaway with mountain overlooks and sunny, sandy beaches? Your vacation destination may be a short drive from Los Angeles, California! Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers many opportunities to shake off the stresses of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Recreation
Travel one of the many trails that wind through this rare coastal Mediterranean ecosystem. The plants you see here, such as coastal sage scrub and mixed chaparral, are adapted to hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Keep an eye out for red shank chaparral, a tree-like shrub with reddish-brown bark, clusters of thread-like leaves, and small bunches of white flowers in July and August. From the dry, rocky slopes near Sandstone Peak to the lush fern-studded Grotto, Circle X Ranch provides a wide variety of recreational possibilities. Linger here for a while, and experience the ambiance of this secluded mountain retreat.
Natural Features
Tucked in the canyons above Malibu and nestled below majestic Boney Mountain, you will find Circle X Ranch. This former Boy Scout camp offers many opportunities for exploration and adventure. Journey to Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, and see several of the Channel Islands on a clear day. Enjoy a visit to the Grotto or a creekside picnic. Reserve the Group Camp and listen to coyote songs at night.
Nearby Attractions
Enjoy a visit to the Grotto or a picnic at the trailhead next to the campground. Grotto Trail 3.5 miles round trip, moderate to strenuous; no bikes, no horses. This trail traverses hillsides and leads down to the West Fork of the Arroyo Sequit. The trail is downhill from the Ranger Station, which means an uphill return. The Grotto area is rugged terrain; be careful and wear appropriate hiking attire. The last 1/8 mile is through an unimproved streambed and dogs are not allowed. The Ranger Contact Station can provide you with free hiking maps of Circle X Ranch. A publication of park-led activites for Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is also available. Vists to nearby Malibu and the Pacific Ocean are just a short drive way.
- Tents
- Group
$35 / night
5. Millard Trail Campground
Altadena, California8 Reviews•39 Photos•212 SavesGate may be closed due to High Fire danger. Elevation: 1900-Foot ElevationAmenities: 6 hike-in__campsites- Picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, no piped water.__Seasonal stream water may be available (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall.Hiking: Just a short hike__to the 50' Millard Falls. __Fees: Camping - Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required. Campsites are first come-first served. No reserving or holding of campsites allowed._ Day use -__Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required.Millard Trail Camp may occasionally be closed due to bear activity. Be Bear Aware.
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
- Trash
6. Antfarm LA
Verdugo City, California2 Reviews•30 Photos•138 SavesPlease note: There are no RV sites only one camper van site. The parking is on a hill and you walk in your gear.
This is a great spot for a group who doesn’t mind getting out of the way of people in exchange for a short hike. Parking is a short but steep hike away from the campsite, and it is unlikely that you’ll see any other campers during your stay. The weather is warm, the sunsets are epic and the views are spectacular looking towards Angeles crest national forest. We do have stoves however open fires aren’t allowed within the city limits, and it is a very high fire area. Stoves and fire extinguishers are available for the cost of fuel as well as full camp gear if you are worried about not having stuff. From the campground you can hike some awesome trails, and be able to really get out in nature. There is water a 100 ft away, and there is a bathtub for the adventurous bather that overlooks the city. There is one restroom as well as one shower stall and a small kitchenette shared with 2 other campsites. We like city locals looking for a place to test out backpacking and camping gear while being 5 min driving distance to a Starbucks.
This LA based bohemian homestead farm is a great camping stop. We have 20 hillside acres nestled in the hills of Sunland / North Los Angeles, CA We have tent only sites with picnic benches, flat soft campsites, no fire pits, but amazing views of the valley and mountains. Great for a short getaway in the LA area.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
$50 / night
7. Gould Mesa Trail Campground
La Cañada Flintridge, California5 Reviews•16 Photos•314 SavesWater is from a stream - come prepared with your own or have a way to filter/purify
5 Hike-in campsites- Picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, trash receptacles, no piped water available. Seasonal stream water (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall. Please bring enough water for cooking, cleaning, drinking, and extinguishing campfires.
Equestrian: Hitching Rail (52 linear feet).
Gould Mesa Trail Camp is a hike-in campground located 2 miles from Ventura Street on the Gabrielino Trail. Being only a few miles away La Canada-Flintridge, it offers a quick-respite for the weary hiker. Those choosing to start in Altadena near the Jet Propulsion Laboratories will walk through riparian groves along a tranquil steam surrounded by steep ridges. The trek to Gould Mesa Trail Camp is 5.1 miles round trip with 300 feet of elevation change.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
8. La Jolla Group Campsite — Point Mugu State Park
Camarillo, California1 Review•1 Photo•62 SavesLa Jolla Group
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
$225 / night
9. Mount Lowe Trail Campground
Mount Wilson, California6 Reviews•5 Photos•113 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
10. Placerita Canyon State Park Group Campsites
Santa Clarita, California1 Review•4 Photos•1 SaveReservations for picnicking and group camping are available by calling the park office.
Placerita Canyon Natural Area is a unique east-west running canyon featuring cool, shaded oak woodlands, chaparral covered slopes and a seasonal stream. The natural area park is situated on the northwest side of the San Gabriel Mountains and surrounded by the Angeles National Forest. The park offers eight trails that network over 12 miles and is also the home of the famous "Oak of the Golden Dream" where gold was first discovered in California in 1842. Visit the Walker Cabin and experience early pioneer living, or enjoy a unique animal presentation with live animals in the newly renovated "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" nature center.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Market
Recent Tent Reviews in Brandeis
762 Reviews of 59 Brandeis Campgrounds
Collin B.
Traveler
Lake Casitas Recreation Area
Super nice night staff
The night ranger Ron is awesome 👌 totally let me shower in the middle of night when the shower was closed, even gave me a few bucks for shower tokens very kind man!!! Just don't be late getting out of there at checkout time they don't like it and definitely threatened to call police wich kinda killed the whole good vibe of the place.
- JJason R.
Guide
Oak Flat Campground
Nice but needs a permit not free
Ranger woke me up early asking for a permit. He was not agro, as I didn't look like I bum I think that helped. He explained a shell station off the 176 nearby sells $5 day passes and $30 annual.
OREN LOCK &.
Scout
Ventura Beach RV Resort
Rude !!
Rude and not pleasant employee no compassion, whatsoever noisy, and a lot more never coming back
Wendy S.Guide
Kenney Grove Park
Solid place to camp
First, I imagine this place was so cool in the 80’s. You can see the bones that it was built around. It’s just a touch run down. That said, the bathrooms were really clean. The showers were quarter showers, but seemed fine. For December it was pretty quiet. The spaces are different, some shade some not. I wouldn’t suggest for really large campers. But for a van, we had power, water, bathrooms and off season prices.
Ryan W.
Legend
Malibu Creek State Park Campground
Convenient to Wilderness and Luxury
Three miles from a the grocery and only minutes from north LA, you'll find a basic campground with flush toilets, coin showers, and easily accessible hiking trails. The sites are basic with campfire pit and grill, open space for a tent or rv, and picnic table. The inner circle of sites abuts the bathrooms and is better for groups. The outer rings on three sides have nice views, but some sites on the south side are shorter and abut a fence.
We stayed in site 59 which had a really nice shade tree and great views of a meadow and the cliffs out the back of the site. The sites are fairly open and close to each other, so be prepared to hear everything, and because the campground is close to the city it is popular with groups and families.
The campground was under fire warning all weekend, but faux wood (javalog or duraflame) and charcoal was still allowed. The camphost sold Javalogs, and there were plenty of options at the nearby Albertson's.
The state park is a former movie set and is filled with easily accessible trails for hiking and some for mountain biking. The primary trails were open fire roads with off-shoots to lakes, pools, meadows, and more. It was easy to imagine you weren't anywhere close to the city. During a holiday weekend the trails were fairly busy with day-use hikers, but even then, it was easy to get away and be on trails alone if you wanted. There is also a visitor center in the park, but it has limited hours.
The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear. If you have a dog with you make sure they don't try join the pack. On a hike right out of the park a few hundred yards, I came across a pair of bobcats—mom and cub—making their way to a running creek.I'd recommend a visit if you're looking for a close to town escape.
- Melissa B.Scout
willow springs blm
Dispersed
FYI- camping is limited to 14 days at a time 28 days a year, must access via publicly open roads, stay on designated trails, and take all your trash with you there are no trash cans no trash removal.
Jon S.ScoutVentura Beach RV Resort
Ditto no laundry right now
Ditto what others say…clean, great noise, pricey $142/night for Sprinter, laundry is being remodeled right now
vector J.Scout
Hollywood RV Park
Thats good
This location is conveniently situated near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an ideal spot for those looking to explore the city’s many attractions. The facilities are well-kept, with clean restrooms and a friendly staff always ready to assist. However, the noise from nearby https://blockblast.link/ may be disruptive for those in search of a quiet getaway, so it's worth considering if peace and quiet are a priority before booking.
Spicy N.Guide
Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
Not Worth staying here
Facilities are run down. This places needs a major make over! Bathrooms are dirty, showers are gross. Sinks to wash dishes are disgusting & right next to dumpsters. You have no privacy and sites are right on top of each other…you’re basically in a parking lot. Barking dogs right next to you can get pretty annoying pretty fast. NOT WORTH the $70 a night fee. I would only stay here here as a LAST resort
- Spicy N.Guide
Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
For $70 a night we Expected More!
Facilities are run down. This places needs a major make over! Bathrooms are dirty, showers are gross. Sinks to wash dishes are disgusting & right next to dumpsters. You have no privacy and sites are right on top of each other…you’re basically in a parking lot. Barking dogs right next to you can get pretty annoying pretty fast. NOT WORTH the $70 a night fee. I would only stay here here as a LAST resort
I B.Scout
Hollywood RV Park
Nice and friendly Staff, clean site
Everything was fine. We stayed for 1 night to Visit L.A. . It was clean and the Staff was very nice. We called a night before and got a Site for our RV.
AnnaEvan S.Traveler
Campo Alto Campground
Great Escape!
This is a wonderful campground if you're looking to escape the crowds elsewhere. We were in spot 4 which was right next to the check in board. Despite the close proximity to the road the site was very big and had plenty of trees to throw our hammocks up and relax. Next time we would likely pick spots 6-8 or 13-17 as they were a little further into the campground and away from the main road.
There is plenty of firewood to gather but I may suggest a small hatchet.
The vault toilets were clean enough for vault toilets.
My husband and I stayed Saturday to Monday and found that only a few hunters were left Sunday night and Monday morning and we enjoyed walking through the campground and checking out all the small viewpoints through the trees to the valleys below. The group sites looked spacious and awesome as well!
Pine Mountain Club was close, quaint, and the people we met were friendly.
We are keeping this spot in our back pockets for the next time we want to escape the busy city life!
Thomas F.TravelerHollywood RV Park
6/10
This place offers a convenient location near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an excellent base for exploring the city's attractions. The facilities are well-maintained, with clean restrooms and helpful staff who are eager to assist guests. However, noise from the surrounding area can be an issue, so those seeking a peaceful retreat might want to consider this before booking.
- nnathalieScout
ATV Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Closed until further notice
The post fire which burned the area of 10,000 acres on June 15, 2024 has caused this area to be closed until further notice. We went to camp but were turned away. Be aware. Otherwise would have been a great place to stay as I have been there before
Michelle M.GuideLake Casitas Recreation Area
A beautiful Lake
This is a nicely maintained municipal water reservoir with a very large lake. No swimming allowed, but boating is. Go figure.
There are campgrounds with hookups that are only available for RVs. There is one Campground -Indian- that has a mixture of tent and RV sites with hookups available but it was under maintenance when I was here this weekend. So all the rest of the areas that do have hookups do not accommodate my truck and tent rig. And there are no 110V or 30a outlets available for people who are traveling light -with solar and a minimum amount of panels, where you might need to plug in once in awhile- they can't cover you here. Too bad no one thought of that when they were designing this place, because it's an awfully big place with a lot of sites.
So we're leaving today to find another place to weekend.
But two nights next to the lake, in the campground called Mallard was lovely as can be. Next time I'll come out with more panels to keep my pair of EcoFlow RiverPro solar generators topped up.
Laura M.Legend
Wheeler Gorge Campground
Peaceful and Calm!
We loved camping here. The whole area has a really peaceful and mellow vibe. We reserved site #49 which was plenty big enough for our 26ft class c, but the drive through the campground to get to the site was a little narrow and tight, wouldn't recommend for larger RVs. This end of the campground is right next to the emergency exit, too, but they keep that gate locked, otherwise it would be an easy swoop in. Camp host was really nice, campground was huge, nice that there's a creek running through it which comes in handy in the hot summer months. You have to drive over some creek runoff at parts, no problem.
There's zero cell reception in this entire area, the roads leading up to the campground as well.
Fees are $35 or $37 for weekends/holidays. Pricey for what you get and for what we're used to paying for a forest service campground.
Joseph P.Scoutwillow springs blm
Stayed for 2 months
Stayed for two months without any issues
Kim N.Traveler
Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park
Great site with no amenities
Loved the quietness of this campsite. No water, no dump station, only portable bathrooms on site from what we can see. We were in an RV so we didn't mind at all. Went to Sycamore campground to fill up on water. Youre packed right on the beach next to the sand. Combo of tent and rv campers. Wifi is great at this location. We have tmobile
- Kim N.Traveler
Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park
no wifi
No tmobile wifi. we dropped by to fill up water since we were camping at thornhill Broome. Water refill was free. We didn't dump there. Can't comment on anything else.
Jamie C.Traveler
Buckhorn Campground
Perfect peaceful getaway
Just stayed 8/15-18/24, although hot during the day, it was the getaway we needed. The Burkhart trail to the waterfall was beautiful. Clean campsites. Some neighboring camps were louder than you'd hope but it is what it is. Our second trip here and will return for sure.
- JJennifer T.Traveler
Hollywood RV Park
Lovely
Nice campground a little bit outside of Hollywood but with a very helpful camp host
- Laura M.Legend
Faria Beach Park
Beachy casual
I'm giving this place 5 stars, because even though it's cramped and packed and awkward to maneuver through, it's got the casual and fun beach vibe that we love about this area.
You're right on the beach, with easy access to the beach via stairs. This campground is very close to Rincon, but the setup is totally different. Rincon is basically just a parking space on the road, while Faria is a regular campground. The drive down from the main road is pretty steep with a sharp turn, I'm surprised more RVs don't scrape and cause damage on the way down.
The sites here are very close together, but it doesn't matter. Everyone is friendly and happy and in a good mood. The cafe is fun and seems to be a hangout for bikers riding along Hwy 1. We love it here.
Leslie R.Legend
Placerita Canyon State Park Group Campsites
Haven't stayed, by reservation only for groups
I haven't stayed in this campground, but I added it to the Dyrt so people can find it as an option if they are searching for large group camping. You MUST call in advance to get permission and reserve for group camping.
Things to do:
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visit the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, including live animal exhibits
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Ranger-led educational programs
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hike to waterfalls: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/placerita-canyon-and-waterfall-trail
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- Leslie R.Legend
Danielson Group Multi-Use Area
Haven't stayed, looks a little run down
I came across this group campsite while on a long hike with a friend. I had no idea it existed, so I'm adding it to the Dyrt so more people can find it if they are looking for a group campsite. You can reserve it for large groups of 10-50 people. Some of the communal areas and fencing looked like it could use some resfreshing. Facilities available: Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Showers, Tent Spaces, and Fireplace.
I recommend visiting in the spring, when things are greenest, and there are beautiful wildflowers.
- JJane P.Scout
Ventura Beach RV Resort
Worst place ever
Crowded sites, horrible check in, rude people, owner is extremely unpleasant
Julian M.GuideMalibu Creek State Park Campground
Amazing experience, beautiful sunset
Great campground, Great spots but unfortunately bit expensive .Very disappointed about the rules regarding fire, but I understood. I left from the campground after the sunset...fire allowed only with courchal...
- AAngelaTraveler
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
Nice view, not bad, needs work
We stayed in Loop A on a Thursday night in July. For us, it was a convenient overnight stop. It was a lot less crazy/ crowded than we expected for an LA County campground in the middle of summer! This site is on the lagoon, not the main lake, but had nice views and a good breeze in the heat. Very minimal space, not much shade. But the real issue was that the bathroom stalls in our loop (A) had no doors. I also doubt they are cleaned daily, though it wasn't terrible. Being close to the city, there were a ton of people meandering around, but they all seemed to be doing their own thing (e.g fishing or just walking), few suspicious characters. Lots of families and kids made it feel fairly safe for an urban campground. Not our favorite, but we would stop over here again in a pinch.
Guide to Brandeis
Brandeis, California, offers a variety of tent camping options that allow outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the scenic beauty of the region.
Tent campers should check out Musch Trail Camp
- Located in Topanga State Park, Musch Trail Camp features a peaceful environment with well-maintained facilities and easy access via a short hike from the parking lot.
- This campground is perfect for those seeking solitude, as it often has few visitors, allowing for a quiet retreat amidst nature.
- With picnic tables and flush toilets available, campers can enjoy basic comforts while surrounded by stunning views of the city and ocean.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Antfarm LA
- Antfarm LA is a private campground that allows pets and offers drinking water, making it a great choice for families and pet owners.
- The site features a market nearby, ensuring that campers have access to supplies and refreshments during their stay.
- With a serene atmosphere and opportunities for local exploration, this campground is ideal for those looking to unwind and enjoy nature.
Activities for tent campers at Circle X Ranch Group Campground
- Circle X Ranch Group Campground is situated close to some of the highest points in the Santa Monica Mountains, offering breathtaking views and excellent hiking opportunities.
- The campground is accessible by car, making it convenient for larger groups looking to enjoy a camping experience together.
- While the site itself is basic, the surrounding area boasts fantastic hiking trails and scenic landscapes, perfect for outdoor adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Brandeis, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Brandeis, CA is Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Brandeis, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 59 tent camping locations near Brandeis, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.